Author: sherp@g00dwi11

Cultural heritage has a universal value for us as individuals, communities and societies. Cultural heritage targets promoting diversity and dialogue through access to heritage to foster a sense of identity. Cultural heritage includes different types of social activities, festivals ceremonies, religious place, religious ceremony etc. carry social values. It includes its originality, specialty of tradition and other valuable aspects. These are the most valuable assets of the country.  Nepal has its own rich and unique culture which has evolved over the centuries. Nepal has diverse ethnic, tribal and social groups manifesting their own unique music, dance, art, craft, folktales, festivals, languages and literature.

Pasupatinath Temple

Pashupatinath is one of the four most important religious sites in Asia for devotees of Shiva. It was builted in 5th century and later renovated by Malla kings. The structure is a two-storey building and is built in pagoda style.  This temple is tiered with two golden roofs,four sides covered in silver, and wood carvings of the finest quality. Pashupatinath Temple is located on both banks of Bagmati River on the eastern outskirts of Kathmandu. There are around 492 temples, 15 Shivalayas (shrines of Lord Shiva) and 12 Jyotirlinga (phallic shrines) to explore. The temple has been on the World Heritage list since 1979. The temple is just a few hundred metres from the end of the runway at Tribhuvan Airport.

In the Pashupati premises there temples of number of god and goddesses like Bhairab , Ananta, Narayan, Kageshwori, Yamaraj and Ganesh. But the main temple is Pashupatinath and Guheswori. Only followers of Hinduism can enter the main temple, but all the other buildings are available for foreigners to visit. The temple is crowded with worshippers devotees, Sadhus and observes who come to pay their homage to lord Pashupatinath in the night of Shivaratri, Similarly such gathering are also organized during other festivals like Janai Purnima, Teej etc.

Swayambhunath Stupa (Monkey Temple)

The Swayambhunath stupa is perched on top of a hill west of Kathmandu from where there are splendid views of the city. This stupa is also one of Kathmandu’s oldest and most holy stupa. The Great Stupa is said to have been built around 250 B.C. This stupa was a vital destination for Buddhist pilgrimages. The Stupa represents a typical Buddhist architecture with a white dome which is represents the earth, indicating a spotless jewel of Nirvana. The 13 rings of the spire symbolizes the 13 steps of the ladder leading to Nirvana. There are 365 steps passing through which you will reach the holy site of Swayambhunath stupa. The Stupa is crowed in Losar festival that is held between February and March and the Buddha Jayanti that is held in April and May and also the Gunla festival in August to September.

Baudhanath Stupa 

This Baudhanath Stupa is one of the most ancient, largest and magnificent Stupas built in the Himalayan nation. This Stupa is located 7 km East/Northeast of Kathmandu and this is also one of the largest Buddhist stupas in the world which is built during the 5th century AD.  The splendid dome of Boudha Stupa is approximately 120 ft in diameter, 1 hector in width and 43.25m in height. The area of the Stupa is approximately 6,756 square meters. Many small Stupas, statues and colorful Tibetan prayer flag surround the huge Stupa.  The Stupa was enlisted on the World Heritage list since 1997.

Lumbini

Lumbini is believed to be the place where Queen Maya Devi gave birth to the baby Buddha, Siddhartha Gautam. Lumbini is located in the Nepalese town of Kapilavastu, Rupandehi District of Nepal.  The Lumbini heritage site covers 4.8km in length and 1.3 km in width and is stated as a monastic zone where only monasteries can be built. The area around Lumbini is entirely Hindu, but many Buddhist temples and shrines from various nations are scattered around the holy site itself. The other main sight of interest at Lumbini is Ashoka’s Pillar, near the temple. It is believed that this pillar was built during 249 BC. This pillar holds a historical significance and it is considered to be one of the major attractions of Lumbini.The Maya Devi temple is also major attractions of Lumbini. Lumbini offers a variety of attractions related to the different occurrences in Buddha’s life.  Lumbini is enlisted as a world heritage site due to its importance to the Hindu and Buddhist religious community as well as the history and culture of the entire world.

Major Attraction of Lumbini are:

  • Maya Devi temple
  • Ashokan pillar
  • Myanmar Golden Temple
  • World Peace Pagoda
  • Dharma swami Maharaja Buddha Vihar
  • China temple
  • Lumbini Museum

Kathmandu Durbar Square:

Kathmandu Durbar Square is a cluster of ancient temples, palaces, courtyards and streets that date back to the 12th and 18th centuries. Kathmandu Durbar Square is one of the important historic and tourist destinations in Nepal.  It also knows as Hanuman Dhoka Square. The Durbar Square of Kathmandu will be amazed by the architectural wonders spanning several centuries.There are around 50 temples in the vicinity. The Durbar is divided into two courtyards, the outer comprising Kasthamandap, Taleju Bhawani, Kumari Ghar, and Shiva-Parvati Temple, and the inner consisting of Hanuman Dhoka and the main palace.

The main attractive monuments are

  • Taleju Temple
  • Mahendreshvara Temple
  • Jagannath Temple
  • Dequtale Temple
  • Vilar Temple
  • Shiva Temple
  • Manju Deval
  • Hanuman Dhoka
  • Kasthamandapa
  • Kumari Bahal
  • Nasal Chowk
  • Mul Chowk
  • Bhandarkal
  • Ashok Binayak Shrine
  • Simha Sattal

Patan Durbar Square

Patan Durbar Square is located in the center of Patan city (Lalitpur) which is only a 30 minute drive from Kathmandu city. The whole city is full of Buddhist monuments and Hindu temples with fine bronze gateways, marvelous statues, guardian deities and magnificent carvings including stone carving, metal carving and wood carving. The square is a display of Newari architecture that had reached its pinnacle during the reign of Malla kings who were great builders and patrons of the arts. The city is known for its rich traditional arts and handicrafts offering the visitors to see an abundance of exquisite works of art and architecture. This city has many 15th to 17th century, Hindu and Buddhist, monuments built during the Malla dynasty.

The main attractive monuments are

  • The  Golden Gate and golden windows of the old palace
  • The famous Krishna Temple with 21 golden pinnacles.
  • The bath with many carvings in stone at Sundari Chowk.
  • The Royal Taleju Temple.
  • The temple of Bhimsen with a magnificient golden balcony overlooking the square.
  • Char-Narayan temple, which is among the finest examples of woodcarvings.
  • Chyasi Dega
  • Manga Hiti
  • Mul-Chowk
  • Vishwanath Temple.
  • The royal bath

Bhaktapur Durbar Square

Bhaktapur Durbar Square founded in the 12th century by King Ari Malla. Bhaktapur Durbar Square popular for its religious values, fabulous cultural traditions, rich in ancient arts, architectural masterpieces and ancient sculptures culture and historical heritage. . it is home to some of the best preserved historical monuments including palaces, courtyards, temples, pagodas, monuments, craftwork, hand-crafted peacock windows, etc, reflecting mostly Hinduism.  The square contains a royal palace that took center stage as one of three royal capitals during the 15th century in the Kathmandu Valley

The main attractive monuments are:

  • Nyatapola Temple
  • Bhairava Nath Temple
  • statue of King Bhupatindra Malla
  • Pottery Square
  • Dattatraya Square
  • Peacock Window
  • Golden Gate
  • Fifty-five windowed palace of Bhaktapur Durbar Square
  • Siddha Pokhari (Ta-Pukhu)

Changunarayan Temple

Changunarayan is located 4 kilometers north of Bhaktapur and 22 kms away from Kathmandu. This temple has a history that dates back to around 3000 years. The two-storey temple has many intricate carvings of the ten incarnations of Vishnu and different multi-armed Tantric goddesses. The temple is decorated with ten incarnations of the Narayan. Stone lions guard all the four doors of the temple. Changunaraya Temple is a true gem with the Lichhavai period (4th to 9th centuries) stone, wood, and metal carvings in the courtyard surrounding the main temple. This shrine is dedicated to Lord Visnu and held in especial reverence by the Hindu people. Hindu devotees come here to worship Vishnu, while Buddhists pay respects to Avalokitesara, the Bodhisattva of Compassion.This temple is considered as the oldest temple in Nepal. The temple is surrounded by forest with champak tree and a small village, known as Changu Village. This Temple is on the list of world heritage sites.

Chitwan National Park

The Chitwan National is nepal’s first national park which is located in Terai the subtropical southern part of Nepal. Covering an area of 932 sq. km this is the most well preserved conservation area in all of Asia. The park has been on the World Heritage list since 1984. The park is especially renowned for its protection of One Horned Rhinoceros, Royal Bengal Tiger and Gharial Crocodile. This wildlife extension tour is designed for those people who want an extra few days exploring the adventure, wildlife activities in The National Park. This park is one of the most popular tourist destinations in nepal. There are two main entrances to Chitwan National Park: Saurahain the east and Meghauli Village in the west.

Sagarmatha National Park

Sagarmatha National Park is home of the highest peak in the world, it contains three of the tallest ten peaks in the world: Everest, Lhotse, and Cho Oyu. This park extends over an area of 1,148 square kilometers (With its lowest point over 3000m above sea level.) of the Himalayan ecological zone in Khumbu region of Nepal. Sagarmatha National Park was established in 1976. The Park contains a unique combination of forests, barren land and snow-capped peaks that are called home by the 6,000 or so indigenous Sherpas and by the variety of animals in the region. The snow leopard and the lesser panda, are found in the park. This park is full of rugged terrain with deep gorges, glaciers and huge rocks. The presence of the Sherpas, with their unique culture, adds further interest to this site. This park centre is worth a visit for its displays on Himalayan flora and fauna and the culture of the Khumbu Sherpas.  The park has been on the World Heritage list since 1979.The best time to visit the park is during the autumn months of October-November and from March-May in summer.

Tips to find a Best Trekking Agency in Nepal

Trekking in Nepal is an amazing opportunity to experience Nepal’s natural beauty, enjoying the Himalayan topography, cultural elements in spectacular customs, customs and the religion. Through the trekking, gorgeous Himalayan topography of Nepal are breath-taking in every step and every way. After deciding to do trekking in Nepal for your next holiday, there are many fraud deals sites which display misleading travel deals of the trip packages and in real present very poor value-for-money. If you have confusion to select a good trekking agency among the thousands of companies in Nepal, than this article will give you some ideas to help you out with choosing the best trekking agencies in Nepal. Here are listed down some helpful tips to aid you make the best decision for your upcoming trekking in the Himalayas of Nepal.

  1. Registration, Licenses and Associations (Nepal Government Authorized Trekking Agency)

This is very important for you to know that, Your Trekking agency are authorized with proper licenses and registration from various Authorities or not? A Trekking agency has Company Registration Certificate, Permanent Account Number (PAN), and License from Department of Tourism of Nepal (NTB) and Trekking Agencies’ Association of Nepal (TAAN) to conduct their services. But If Trekking agency sells the Climbing packages then need to be registered with Nepal Mountaineering Association (NMA). You can see the legal documents in the profile in website, if not present ask them for certificate before the final booking and don’t forget to check the date of expiry.

  1. Read Client Reviews and testimonials

Not only Register Company offers good service for trekking. Reviews and testimonials may help you to get the basic ideas about the trekking company and their services. The testimonials may help you get the basic idea about their business and their strengths. Read the reviews from the past clients and find out the reliable trekking agency based on the reviews and rating.  Trip Advisor and Lonely planet may be a good way to get the reviews from the past clients and find out the reliable trekking agency based on the reviews and rating.

  1. Year of Experience of the Agency

The years of Experiences may be the important factors to determine the services of trekking company. While old company doesn’t mean they provide better services, a momentous years of experience will assure the reliable expertise of the company. So some new trekking agencies opened by experienced guide can provide the value of money. Also, check the Founders of Company, whether they are simply a businessman or adventure leaders or experts. Do they have earlier adventure trip leading experience or are they leading the trip.

  1. Cost and services

First, let’s not forget the value of your holiday, Cheapest may not always give you best value for the money. To find the reasonable cost it is necessary to compare your needs with the facilities provided by the agency. Check about their services and prices clearly which gives you the overview of your total expenses. Check carefully the cost inclusion and make sure it fulfill your requirement for the trip. Be sure no hidden cost will apply on the service.

  1. Safety standards of the company

Before booking your trip assure that your trekking agency have great safety standards and good safety records. Before heading to Himalayas the company does carry the Portable Altitude Chamber (PAC) or Oxygen with comprehensive first aid kit and medical trained trek leader on all high altitude treks to handle any emergencies or health issues in the Himalayas. Make sure that, during the emergency case they provide helicopter rescue or not?

  1. Send an Inquiry Email

It is very important to know that how they reply your email and responds the answer of your question. Communication will not just let you know about their facilities and services but their response to your inquiries will help you clear all your doubts, know them more closely and get a clear picture about your upcoming adventure.

  1. Agencies and their Guides

Guides are the one of the most important factors that determine your experience while you trek so, assure that, your trip leader who is reliable competent professional with government license holder and medically trained capable of handling any adverse situation on trek. Guides are not just to show the way and to tell the mountains name or only charm smiling. Guides must have communication skills Specially-English and multiple languages are pulse points. Because, they know their cultures but they can’t tell or describe on properly its spoil your whole journey. Finding a multilingual guide will make your trek more comfortable. They must have general knowledge of politics, cultures, lifestyle, movies, international events, news so they can make a nice conversation.

Festival of Colors

It is also known as Phagu Purnima which is a festival of colours and water. This festival is celebrated from Falgun Shukla Ashthami to Purnima (full moon) as a celebration of Basanta (Spring) season. People have gathered with their friends and family since early morning today and commenced the celebration by applying colours on each other and making merry amongst themselves. This is joyful festival for children; they used Pichakari (water Gun of Bamboo or plastic) with colorful water throw each other. Even they filled balloon with water (Lola) and smeared over them. The festival is celebrated on two different days. Hilly region of the nation celebrates the festival on the day of the full moon while the Terai region celebrates it the next day.

According to Hindu Mythology, the demon king Hiranya kashyapu , who was unhappy with his son Prahlad for his wholehearted devotion to the Lord Vishnu, he ordered his sister Holika to kill Prahalad.Holika had the power of emitting fire. She took Pralhad into her lap intending to burn him but with Lord Vishnu’s immortal blessings instead she was burnt to ashes. From then onwards, the Fagu Poornima celebration begins with a Holika dahan or making a bonfire commemorating the death of Holika on the eve of Holi, the symbol of triumph of good over evil.

The Holi start one week before than main celebration. As traditional rituals a long bamboo stick (lingo) decorated with colorful flags/cloths called Chir (Holi pole) which is standing in the three heritage squares of Nepal namely Kathmandu Durbar Square, Bhakatpur Durbar Square and Patan Durbar Square. At the end of the festivities the Chir is taken to a bonfire. It is called Chir Haran or Holika Dahan.

This is great experience for every tourist from different world, who would like to know about unique Nepali culture.

Maha Shivaratri: Festival of Lord Shiva

Mahashivratri is one of the largest and most significant among the sacred festival nights of Nepal. It is a festival that honors Lord Shiva. Mahashivratri is known as the ‘Great Night of Lord Shiva’ and according to Gregorian calendar, falls in February. According to Hindu calendar, the festival is celebrated in the month of phaguna. As per astrological tenets, the cosmos is said to be replete with divine energy on the night of Shivaratri, and devotees offer prayers to tap into this energy.

This tradition has been followed till today and no worship of Lord shiva is considered complete without the offering of the six items- bael leaves, vermilion, unbroken rice and fruits, incense, diya and betel leaves. Rudraksha is the symbolize of the three eyes of Lord Shiva. Therefore, devotee wear a Rudraksha mala also (rosary created with the seeds of Rudraksha tree) on this day. Devotees and general pilgrims mark this festival on a grand scale by fasting and keeping vigil (Jaagran); that is staying awake the whole night in praise of Mahadeva (Shiva). Lord Shiva who is known by the name of Bholenath and is the supreme embodiment of perfect spirituality fulfills all the desires of a person who prays to Him sincerely. On this day, Married women pray to Lord Shiva for the well-being and long life of their husbands and children. While Unmarried girls offer their prayers to Lord Shiva to be blessed with an ideal spouse like Him.

This day and more so the night is dedicated by the devotees of Lord Shiva for his worship, practice of various austerities & meditation. Pashupatinath Temple is considered to be one of the major centers of pilgrimage for Hindus, especially Shaivaites. Thousands of devotee come to the Pashupatinath Temple to celebrate Maha Shivaratri and the Shiva Shakti Peetham nearby. The temple is open only to Hindus with several shrines and pavilions where yogis and priests chant or meditate. Thousands of sadhus from Nepal and India come to Pasupatinath to celebrate the festival of Mahashivaratri by smoking marijuana, smearing their bodies with ash and offering prayers to the Hindu Deity Lord Shiva.Devotees of Lord Shiva dance and sing on the Eva of Mahashivaratri festival inside Pasutaptinath temple and the Shiva Shakti Peetham nearby.

Foreigners heading to Pashupatinath Temple should be aware, because only Hindus are allowed inside the main temple. Tourists can access the Bagmati River site and the Sadhu area. Government will charge NRs.500/- entry fees for foreigners to entry pasupatinath complex.

Rice Plantation (Ropai) and Mud Festival

Nepal is one of the most diverse countries in the world. Also agriculture is considered one of the important occupations in Nepal.  The arrival of monsoon season in the month of Asar (Nepalese Calendar) which is usually falls around June-July. The rice plantation generally begins from the first week of Asar. It is cultivated as rice plantation needs lots of water. It is the time when farmers plant new seedlings of rice crops in their paddies with the hope of growing quintals of rice by planting kilos. The plantation is done by the female, the male will plow and level the field to ease plantation. During rice plantation, People Singing Ashare jhyaure geet (a traditional monsoon song) splashing each other with muddy water and relishing dahichiura (curd and beaten rice) farmers plant rice with joy and merriment.

Rice is a major staple food of Nepali people, thus planting of the important food is celebrated with lots of enthusiasm and fun. Nepal Government has decided to celebrate the 15th day of Asar as a Ropain festival – rice planting festival. The tourists who come to Nepal for the visit in this rainy season took part and enjoyed planting rice. This is the completely new experience for the local as well as tourists who participate in this festival besides hiking, trek, and sightseeing.

Likewise the every year, the “Ropai Mahotsab” was organized by Tourism board in pokhara. In between plantation, you can enjoy a friendly mud wrestling, tug of war, splashing the muddy water on each other, and plow racing competition.

Drone operation permission in Nepal

fWith using the Drone, Many travelers and Trekkers make beautiful travel vlogs. Using this drone footage, different travel agencies and travelers are promoting their business. In Nepal, It is illegal to fly the drone over the Nepalese sky without permission. We can use drone inside our home and in our personal garden. However you need an approval from the civil aviation authority (CAAN) when taking aerial photographs. The Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal (CAAN) maintains and regulates these rules of requirements to fly Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV)/ drones in Nepal. This permission is rarely granted to foreigners. Those flying illegally risk arrest or massive fines.

General Rules/Law in Nepal

  1. You cannot fly your drone over airports or in areas where aircraft are operating and Military Air Space, army, military or securities areas and Archaeological areas are strictly prohibited.
  2. You cannot flying your drone around temples without prior permission.
  3. You do not need permission to use drone from CAAN, if you are flying drone is less than 2 kg kilograms and flown at the height of 400 meters and a distance of 500 meters on your personal purpose and properties like inside your house, land, and garden
  4. You cannot fly your drone over people or large crowds, keep 150 meters away from people or crowds.

Process to obtain drone flying permission in Nepal:

Documents required:

  1. Filled form
    1. Request letter addressed to Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal asking for permission to use drone.
    2. A copy of Operation Specifications of Drone.
    3. Copy of map of intended drone operation area.
    4. No Objection letter or Recommendation letter from concerned owner if drone operation area is over private/public place or property.
    5. Letter from the concerned authority for security clearance or other clearance. This security clearance is taken from the operation areas Police Headquarters.
  2. Cost/Time:
    1. Cost: Free
    2. Time: After submit your required documents and accepted by CAAN, you should get the permission within 3 days.
  3. Process to get permission:
    1. Get a permission letter from the Municipality of the places that you want to fly drone.
    2. You need to take recommendation letter from the CDO (central district office) office. CDO will provide recommendation letter only after getting the permission letter from the municipality.
    3. After showing these 2 letters to police headquarters, they will provide security clearance letter (For larger production) if needed.
    4. All the documents listed above you should submit your application to the Drone operation permission department within Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal.

Is Travel Insurance is necessary to visit Nepal?

Nepal is also known as a Land of Himalayas. Nepal has carved out its own distinct culture. Nepal is a dream destination for adventure seekers and for those bitten by the travel bug. If you’re planning to travel in mountains and the Himalayas area. There might be risk and chances of problems like health issues, injuries and even altitude sickness. Therefore, travel insurance is the most important for your trip. In Nepal, most medical treatment must be paid for at the point of delivery.

If your insurance company does not provide upfront payment, be sure to obtain receipts so you can reclaim later be sure that the Travel Insurance must cover both the medical and emergency evacuation via a helicopter(rescue from the high altitude ) cost. Make sure that, you choose the correct plan and/or adventure sports option with hiking & trekking cover. Taking out a Travel Insurance before you go on a trip will protect you from such unforeseen expenses. Also, always make sure to inquire about the hidden costs as some insurance companies try to fleece the customers with unnecessary burdens.

7 Amazing lakes in Nepal

Nepal offer some of the most amazing and picturesque lakes in the world and these lakes are one of the major attraction for the tourism of Nepal. Nepal is famous for its high altitude fresh water lakes of varying size. There are a number of lakes and tanks of glacial and tectonic origin in Nepal. Nepal is a hilly region country. Most of the lakes of Nepal are located in the hilly region and almost all of them happen to be tectonic lakes. Among hill districts, the Kaski District possesses the largest number of lakes and all of them are confined to the Pokhara Valley. Featured here are top seven lakes which you need to without a doubt don’t forget to journey on your next journey to Nepal.

Gokyo (15,400–16,400 ft)
The Gokyo Lakes are one of Nepal’s most memorable and adventurous sights. Gokyo Lakes are oligotrophic lakes in Nepal which is located at an altitude of 15,400–16,400 ft. above sea level. Gokyo lakes are situated in Khumjung Village of Solukhumbu District in Sagarmatha Zone in north-eastern Nepal. They comprise the highest freshwater lake system in the world. This is a great alternative and exception to the classic trek to Everest region that offers magnificent view of the very high altitude mountain. You can trek to Gokyo Lakes from March to June, and September to November. The Gokyo Lakes trek is a 17 day journey in total. From Kathmandu there is a short flight to Lukla, but you can choose to walk in from a lower altitude which will add a further 5 days.

Tilicho (16,138 ft)
Tilicho Lake is known for the highest lake for its size in the world. It is located in the Manang district of Nepal.It is situated at an altitude of 16,138 ft in the Annapurna range of the Himalayas. Tilicho lake trek is the most popular destination for hiking. Similarly, Tilicho Lake is also famous for the religious point of view. Tilicho lake trekking leads you to the fine village inhabited by a wide diversity of people from different ethnic groups, offering spectacular and majestic views of the white Himalayas. The Tilicho Lake Trek starts right from Besisahar as Annapurna Circuit Trekking, which goes along the Marsyangdi River, with great views of Manaslu and Himal Chuli to the east. You can trek to Tilicho Lakes in autumn (September, October & November) and spring (March, April & May) season are good when weather is pleasant.

Paanch Pokhari (13,500 ft)
Panch Pokhari (five lake) is located northeast of Kathmandu at the base of the Jugal Himal. The five ponds (Panch Pokhari) are regarded as sacred ponds. It is 9th highest altitude (13,500 ft) wetland in the world. This place has cultural, religious, and ecological importance. The lake in Janai Purnima (is held here every year in August) is a popular destination for Hindu and Buddhist pilgrims. You’ll start experiencing a different kind of lifestyle immediately, that of the Sherpas and Tamangs . Generally, it’s a 10-day trek, the starting point being Chautara (1,200 m) to the northeast of, and about a five-hour drive by bus from, Kathmandu. The longer trek allows you to experience so much more of both the cultural and ecological aspects, justifying this trek as a Nepal cultural trek.

Rara (9,810 ft)
The Rara Lake is the deepest & biggest Lake of Nepal. Rara Lake lies at an altitude of 2,990 m (9,810 ft) above sea level. Rara lake is one of the biggest freshwater lake in Nepal. Rara Lake that lies amidst the forest in the backdrop of beautiful Himalayas. It is located in the far western corner of Nepal, in the Jumla and Mugu districts. The lake is surrounded by richly forested hills, Chuchemara Danda at 4,087 meters is the best vantage point to get stunning views of the lake and the thickly forested hillsides and the snow-capped peaks around it.
The best visiting time to the lake is September/October and April to May. The easiest way to travel to Rara lake is to take a domestic flight from Kathmandu to Nepalganj and take another domestic flight from Nepalganj to Tancha (Mugu) airport and walk around 3 hours all the way to Rara Lake.

Gosainkunda (14,370 ft)
Gosainkunda Lake is a holy lake located in Langtang region of Rasuwa District of Nepal. . Gosaikunda Lake lies at an altitude of 14,370 ft above sea level. The Gosainkunda Lake, thus, holds significant religious and natural values adding up to the religious and natural heritage of the country. Gosainkunda Lake also bring stunning views of Mt. Langtang range, Himal Chuli 7893m, Mt. Manaslu 8156m and Ganesh Himal range.Gosaikunda is believed to have been created by Lord Shiva when he thrust his Trishul into a mountain to extract water so that he could cool his stinging throat after he had swallowed poison. During the festival of Janai Purnima, in the month of August every year, a large number of devotees come to take holy bath in the lake. There is a large rock in the middle of the lake which is believed to be the remains of Shiva shrine. It is also said that a medium carries water directly from the lake to the tank at the Kumbheshwar Temple in Patan in the Kathmandu Valley.

Shey Phoksundo Lake (11,849 ft)
Shey Phoksundo Lake is located at an elevation of 11,849 ft above sea level in the Dolpa District. Shey Phoksundo Lake is the deepest lake in Nepal with a length of 4.8 km and a depth of 600 m. It is the ultimate destination for adventure and ethno-culture tourism. Shey Phoksundo Lake Trekking starts from Juphal, where the only airstrip in Dolpo is located. Shey Phoksundo is considered to be a holy place by the Buddhists living in Dolpa region and around. The lake itself is aesthetically eye-catching.Buddhism is the main religion in Dolpo. You will also explore and enjoy the natural beauty of Shey Phoksundo National Park (3555 sq km area), the largest national park in Nepal. Many beautiful glaciers can be found near and above the lake area. There are regular flights from Kathmandu to Juphal via Nepalgunj.

Tsho Rolpa (15,030 ft)
Tsho Rolpa Lake lies between Langtang range and Everest range. Tsho Rolpa lake is one of the biggest glacial lakes in Nepal,which is located at an altitude of 15,030 ft in the Rolwaling Valley, Dolakha District. Breathtaking scenery of terrace farmlands, panoramic snow covered soaring high Himalayan peaks, majority of Sherpa people and their own traditional culture, a historical place in Dolakha Bazzar, beautiful and scenic Beding Village. The best time to visit to Tsho Rolpa is during March-April when the forests and the narrow ways are beautifully painted with vivid rhododendron flowers. Visitors can go there during March- May and August- November as well. The lake threatens to burst through its unstable dam, which would threaten the lives and livestock of villagers living around the Tamakoshi River. This lake occupies the very large area, and behind the lake, you can see the beautiful shining mountains. It will be like the heavenly environment when you are there.

Home stay Tourism in Nepal

The Government of Nepal generates this program in the Nepal Tourism Year 2011. The concept of village tourism was introduced for the first time in Nepal in Sirubari village (1700 m) inhabited mostly by people of the Gurung community. Home stay in Nepal, Travelers will have a chance to explore and understand the village life, unique opportunity to make positive environmental, exchange language, social and economic contributions in host communities through their visits. Villagers were welcoming with warm greetings by wearing their traditional customs to the tourist. Homestay opportunities range from a complete family experience to basic room rental. During home stay in Nepal, you will get local lodging, local food and the typical Nepali village lifestyle in the manner of touristic way. They also get to observe and participate in the day-to-day activities of these villages.

Homestays are universally considered an excellent alternative to hotel accommodation, which provides the opportunity for visitors to experience local culture and lifestyle firsthand. The major purpose of homestay is to enhance rural people’s participation in the tourism sector. This kind of plan is also suitable for backpackers as they can explore more of the Himalayan country with limited budget. If you are planning for a short vacation/ holiday in Nepal you would better plan for tours and travels from Homestay Plans. Because Nepal has got diverse in culture, climate, custom, creature and community. Living in a Nepali village as a homestay guest is an excellent way to know the real Nepal.

Island Peak

Island Peak (6,189m/20,305ft) is a getaway into Himalayan climbing and this is the most climbed peak in the Nepal. The peak is located in the Imja Valley that’s why it’s also known as Imja Tse in Nepali. The Island Peak located between the Mt. Lhotse and Imja glaciers is an extension of Lhotse Shar (8,400m).Among all the trekking peaks in Nepal, Island peak is the most popular as it is suitable to all novice climbers and experienced trekkers.  It’s a technically straight forward ridge, it is suitable for climbers without previous experience of climbing on snow and ice also you can experience traditional high-Himalayan Sherpa culture in the towns of the Khumbu region The peak climbing in Nepal is the adventurous combined form of trekking in Nepal and mountain peak climbing in Nepal.

If you are a novice climber who is aiming for your first real mountain ascent, it is an ideal choice. If you are an aspiring would-be mountaineer, but don’t have much clue on what it takes to venture into this exciting field of mountaineering, island peak can be your “first summit” climb. The top of Island Peak, You can see wonderful views of many Himalayan giants, including the huge south face of Mt. Lhoste (8,516m) and the peak of Mt. Ama Dablam (6,812m).

The best seasons for the Island Peak climbing are spring (mid-March to May) and autumn (mid-September to November). But If you are well prepared for the winter season (December to February), this season is also a great time to climb.